Disney World was the last of the major theme parks to announce closures. SeaWorld had announced yesterday its three theme and water parks would close early today and remain shut down Friday. Universal Orlando this morning announced its theme parks and CityWalk entertainment complex will close at 5 p.m. today and stay closed Friday.

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A Universal spokesman said employees will be paid if they were supposed to work. A Disney spokeswoman had no information but Ed Chambers, president of the Service Trades Council union group at the resort, said workers there will have to use paid time off. They can also use future sick or vacation days if need be, he said. SeaWorld said its team members will have to use paid time off such as vacation days if they want to be paid as well.

Halloween events at the parks have been canceled. But one Disney event will go on: A Culinary Adventure in Signature Dining, part of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, will continue as planned at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Disney said it is offering refunds for the event for people who do not want to attend.

Disney had already evacuated its Fort Wilderness campground this morning. The resort had been helping guests make other lodging arrangements if they were staying in the Polynesian Village bungalows and Saratoga Springs treehouse villas. Disney World had also announced earlier that its Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for tonight at the Magic Kingdom had been canceled.

It is rare for theme parks to close, but they have done so in the past for major storms including Hurricane Charley in 2004 and Floyd in 1999.